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CarComplaints.com Notes: With questionable safety ratings, a faulty power control module (PCM) and a rear subframe that can rust out, the first model year Escape is known for problems. But the worst one of all? A design flaw that carried through multiple model years and caused dangerous unintended acceleration.

A lack of clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector meant the throttle could get stick open when the accelerator was fully depressed. Following a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, NHTSA opened an investigation and eventually issued a recall to fix the sticky throttles in the 2001–2004 model years.

Even with the throttles fixed, the 2001 model year could still have trouble stopping due to multiple problems with leaking brakes.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,968 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Ford Escape brakes problems

brakes problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 252004

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,870 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake pedal hisses and squeaks when released. To stop high-pitched hissing sound, the pedal must be lightly tapped. Results in extensive damage to brake system. Brake pads, rotors, and power brake booster need replacing. Potential safety issue!

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #3

Oct 212003

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Upon driving downhill car disengaged.lost power steering and brakes.anual brakes and steering also failed.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 222001

Escape

  • miles
Engine stalled while going downhill, power brakes and steering went out so very hard to control on an incline. Seems to be a common problem with the exact same situations with this vehicle.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #1

Apr 022001

Escape

  • miles
Engine shut off while driving down a hill has happened to me four times this week. Causes loss of power-assisted brakes and steering. Vehicle put in dealer shop on 4/6/2001. No repairs made because dealer could not duplicate the problem in the shop.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

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